Abstract: An orientation-sensitive pressure release for the airbag (15) of a vehicular pneumatic seat (11) that includes a rollover valve (21) mounted in the air inlet line of the pneumatic seat is disclosed. The valve (21) releases air from the pneumatic seat (11) when the valve is tilted or overturned, which occurs when the vehicle is tilted or overturned. The valve includes a spring-loaded poppet (43) that encloses an exhaust port (41). Attached to the poppet is a downwardly extending whisker (65) that extends into an inverted conical cup (64). A conically shaped element (78) is affixed to the lower end of the whisker (65). Housed in the inverted conical cup is a relatively heavy ball (67). When the valve (21) is tilted or overturned, the ball (67) hits the side of the conically shaped element (78) causing the whisker (65) to tilt and the spring-loaded poppet (43) to open the exhaust port. Opening the exhaust port (41) releases air from the air bag (15).

Abstract: A two-way fluid control valve for use in temperature controlled HVAC systems. The control valve includes an engine coolant inlet and an engine coolant outlet. A diaphragm is located between the inlet and outlet and is movable between a closed position in which it prevents coolant flow through the control valve and an open position in which it allows coolant to flow through the control valve. A pressure chamber above the diaphragm is in fluid connection with the common port of a three-way control solenoid. The inlet is in fluid connection with the normally closed port of the solenoid and the outlet is in fluid connection with the normally open port of the solenoid. In an unenergized position, the pressure chamber is maintained at a lower pressure than the coolant pressure in the outlet, allowing the diaphragm to be forced open by the engine coolant, thus allowing engine coolant to flow through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air valve (10) for inflating and deflating an inflatable. The air valve (10) includes a housing floor (16) with air ports (36, 38), and a slide bar (12) with an air passageway (54) formed therein. The slide bar (12) is supported on the floor (16) by seal rings (92) surrounding the ports (36, 38) and is biased into a center position by a spring (94) positioned in a spring well (28) in the slide bar (12) or the floor (16). Pins (50, 52) project into the spring well (28) and engage opposite ends of the spring (94). A stem extends from a tilt button (66) into a socket (48) on the slide bar (12). When the button (66) is tilted, it moves the slide bar (12), compressing the spring (94) and aligning the ports (36, 38) and the passageway (54) to allow air to pass through the valve (10). The slide bar (12) is prevented from tilting by a stabilizer frame (82) or housing shoulders (220).

Abstract: A valve plug is biased inwardly by a spring (90) to close an opening (10) in a cap (2) for a fuel tank filling and venting tube. A valve stem includes a first portion (62) which is engaged by the spring (90) and a second float cage portion (40) that is secured to and extends axially inwardly from the plug. A collapsible retainer (70) is secured to the cage (40) and has an abutment surface (74) which engages an abutment surface (68) on the first portion (62) to hold the cage (40) and the first portion (62) in position relative to each other and to transmit axial forces therebetween. A fusible material ring (88) is positioned radially between the retainer (70) and the cage (40) to prevent the retainer (70) from collapsing. At elevated temperatures, the ring (88) melts to allow the retainer (70) to collapse, the cage (40) and first stem portion (62) to separate from each other, and the valve plug and cage (40) to move away from the opening (10).

Abstract: A flow divider (20) is located between a first fuel return line (18), leading from an engine to the flow divider (20), a second fuel return line (22) leading from a first flow divider outlet (46) to a first tank (A), and a third fuel return conduit (24) leading from a second flow divider outlet (48) to a second tank (B). Returned fuel enters the flow divider inlet (34) and flows into an inlet chamber (54). The fuel flows from the inlet chamber (54) through first and second orifices (50, 52). The first orifice (50) is in flow alignment with a first outlet (42). The second orifice (52) is in flow alignment with a second outlet (44). A first closure member (86) is located in a first outlet opening (104) and a second closure member (88) is located in a second outlet opening (106). The closure members (86, 88) are connected to a common member (90). A spring (82) normally biases the closure members (86, 88) towards the orifices (50, 52).

Abstract: A closure member (64) is mounted at the lower end of a draw tube (14) for pivotal movement between an open position (FIG. 4) and a closed position (FIG. 3). The closure member (64) includes a first side part (68) having a lower outer surface (80) which contacts an upwardly facing first valve seat (76) when the closure members (64) is in a closed position. The closure member (64) includes a second side part (70) which extends laterally outwardly from the pivot axis (66). Side part (70) includes an upper outer surface (82) which contacts a second valve seat (78) when the closure member (64) is in a closed position. A first part (88) of a float arm (94) is connected to the second part (70) of the closure member (64). Float arm part (88) extends downwardly from side part (70) to a lower end connection (92). A coil spring (106) is interconnected between the lower end (92) of arm part (88) and the lower end (98) of arm part (96). A buoyant float body (102) is connected to the outer end of arm part (96).

Abstract: A poppet valve structure has a valve plug biased inwardly to close a vent opening (10). A connector member (40, 58) includes a cage (40) extending inwardly from the valve plug and a separately formed bottom plate (58) secured to the cage (40). The plate (58) defines a radially outwardly opening recess (64) and a first pair of axially spaced apart confronting surfaces. A spring abutment member (66) surrounds the plate (58) and defines a radially inwardly opening recess (74) and a second pair of confronting surfaces. The two pairs of surfaces confront and substantially contact each other. The recesses (64, 74) together define a substantially closed annular chamber. The chamber may be formed by a pair of confronting channels (64, 74) or defined axially between two flanges (61, 67) on the plate (58') and the abutment member (66'), respectively. A ring of fusible material (76) is cast in situ within the chamber to interconnect the plate (58) and the abutment member ( 66).

Abstract: A fill tube (12) leading into a fuel tank (10) is provided with a normally closed closure door (20) and a fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30) spaced outwardly of the closure door (20). When liquid fuel is to be added to the fuel tank (10) a fill nozzle (32) is inserted through the fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30). A seal element (30) engages the outside diameter of the fill nozzle (32) and seals against vapor leakage between the seal element (30) and the fill nozzle (32). Further insertion of the fill nozzle (32) into the fill tube (12) moves the end of the fill nozzle (32) against the closure door (20) opening the closure door (20). When this happens, fuel vapor within the fuel tank (10) flows through an opening (18) that is normally closed by the closure door (20), to and through an outlet (36) leading from a chamber (34) that is between the fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30) and the closure door (20).

Abstract: A valve plug is biased inwardly by a spring (90) to close an opening (10) in a cap (2) for a fuel tank filling and venting tube. A valve stem includes a first portion (62) which is engaged by the spring (90) and a second float cage portion (40) that is secured to and extends axially inwardly from the plug. A collapsible retainer (70) is secured to the cage (40) and has an abutment surface (74) which engages an abutment surface (68) on the first portion (62) to hold the cage (40) and the first portion (62) in position relative to each other and to transmit axial forces therebetween. A fusible material ring (88) is positioned radially between the retainer (70) and the cage (40) to prevent the retainer (70) from collapsing. At elevated temperatures, the ring (88) melts to allow the retainer (70) to collapse, the cage (40) and first stem portion (62) to separate from each other, and the valve plug and cage (40) to move away from the opening (10).

Abstract: A housing (50, 52) defines a slide chamber (54) in which a slide member (34) reciprocates between three positions. A coil spring (86) holds the slide member (34) into a center position. In this position, slide member (34) blocks fluid flow through a port (28) and positions an electrical conductor (96) away from electrical contacts (110, 112). A push on the slide member (34) moves the electrical conductor (38) into circuit making contact with the contacts (110, 112). A pull on slide member (34) moves an exhaust passageway (36) in the slide member (34) into communication with the fluid port (28). The switch function activates a compressor which pumps air into an inflatable seat actuator. The valve function exhausts air from the inflatable seat actuator.

Abstract: A line pressure responsive flow control valve (46) is in series with a solenoid (34) operated off-on valve (26). These two valves (46, 26) are in a common housing having an inlet port (94) and an outlet port (96). A branch (24) of a bypass line (24, 24') extends from a fuel delivery line (10) to a fuel tank (16). A spring (76) biases a closure wall (70) of a piston (66) into contact with a valve seat (88) surrounding a valve orifice (90). Fuel pressure at the inlet (24) acts on the closure wall (70). When this pressure exceeds a predetermined minimum, the piston (66) is moved so as to open the valve orifice (90), allowing fuel to flow from the bypass line (24) to the off-on valve (26). The line pressure responsive flow control valve (46) functions to control flow through the bypass line (24, 24') at times when the off-on valve (26) is open.

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistant to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 31) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistent to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 32) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: A venting valve (2) for a liquid tank, such as a vehicle fuel tank, has a float (64) confined in a cage (10). A valve element (86) is mounted on a mounting post (76, 78) carried by the top surface (72) of the float (64). The element (86) is pivotable about a horizontal axis (X). A rising liquid level in the cage (10) causes the float (64) to move upwardly and seat the valve element (86) against a valve seat (42). When the liquid level falls and the float (64) descends, the valve element (86) pivots on the mounting post (76, 78) and thereby acts as a lever to increase the effective weight of the float (64). This enables the lightweight float (64) to overcome vapor pressure in the tank and unseat the valve element (86). The valve of the invention may be incorporated into a cap (102) for closing a vehicle fuel tank filling and venting tube.

Abstract: A valve has a direct flow passage extending therethrough. A flexible diaphragm (170) is positioned between a main valve seat (156) and an exhaust seat (172). Flow of pressurized air into the valve (110) through the inlet port (142) deflects the diaphragm (170) away from the main seat (156) and seals it against the exhaust seat (172). Higher pressure at the delivery port (144) than the inlet port (142) move the diaphragm (170) away from the exhaust seat (172) and against the main seat (156). A shunt passageway communicates portions of the flow passage on opposite sides of the diaphragm (170) to prevent maintenance of residual positive pressure on the delivery side of the diaphragm (170). The shunt passageway includes a groove (161) along the frustoconical main seat (156) and peripheral cutouts (171) on the diaphragm (170). In one embodiment (210) of the valve, a push member (272,276) moves against the diaphragm (270) to help unseat it from the exhaust seat (272).

Abstract: A piston (36) divides the valve interior into a main chamber (38) and a sensing chamber (40). A fixed valve seat (26) sealingly engages the piston (36) to close communication between the chambers (38, 40). The seat (26) is carried by an axial stem (20) which extends through an opening (42) in the piston (36). The valve inlet (14) extends through a passageway (22) in the stem (20) into the main chamber (38). An outlet (28) is formed in the main chamber (38). A valve element (62) closes the outlet (28). When pressure is higher in the main chamber (38) than in the sensing chamber (40), the piston moves toward the sensing chamber (40) to open communication between the chambers (38, 40). When there is a pressure drop in the main chamber (38), the piston (36) moves toward the main chamber (38) to open communication between the chambers ( 38, 40) and move the valve element (62) into an open position.

Abstract: A valve plug (22, 22a, 22b) is biased inwardly by a spring (78, 78a, 78b) to close an opening (6, 6a, 6b) in a tank. A stem (32, 32a, 32b) extends axially inwardly from the plug (22, 22a, 22b). The stem (32, 32a, 32b) has an inner portion (36, 36a, 36b) which is mechanically interlocked with an outer portion (52, 52a, 52b) to directly transmit axial forces created by the spring (78, 78a, 78b). Fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) holds the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) in an interlocking position but carries only relatively small loads. The plug (22, 22a, 22b) and stem (32, 32a, 32b) move against the force of the spring (78, 78a, 78b) to relieve pressure. At elevated temperatures, the fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) melts to allow the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) to separate and the plug (22, 22a, 22b) and outer stem portion (52, 52a, 52b) to move away from the opening (6, 6a, 6b).

Abstract: A vapor vent valve (16) comprises a housing (28) the interior of which is divided into two fluid chambers (32, 34) by a movable wall (30). The first chamber (32) provides a closable junction in the vapor recovery passageway (18, 20) between a liquid fuel tank (10) and a vapor storage canister (22). The second chamber (34) has a combined inlet/outlet (38) which is interconnected with a signal pressure region (44) in the fuel tank fill tube (12) adjacent to the fill tube cap (14). A valve plug (36) is fixed to the movable wall (30) so that when the pressure in the first fluid chamber (32), the signal pressure region (44 ) and the second fluid chamber (32) are substantially equivalent, the valve plug (36) is positioned to close the vapor recovery passageway (18, 20).

Abstract: A gas vent orifice (78, 148) is located within a gas vent passageway. A closure ball (80, 154) is located upstream of the orifice (78, 148). A piston (66, 166) is located downstream of the orifice (78, 148). The piston (66, 166) includes a projection (76, 170) which projects into the orifice (78, 148), for dislodging the closure ball (80, 154) from its seated position. A mass in the form of a spherical ball (74, 160) functions to move the piston (66, 166) to dislodge the closure ball (80, 154). The mass (80, 154) rests on a conical ramp (56, 126) and the slope of the ramp serves to direct the mass (80, 154) against the piston (66, 166). A steep sloped ramp (126) may be used in combination with a piston (166) having a cylindrical center portion (168). Or, a shallow ramp (56) may be used in combination with a piston (66) having a flat upper surface and radial legs (68, 70) which fit within radial slots (58) in the ramp (56).

Abstract: A valve plug (22, 22a, 22b) is biased inwardly by a spring (78, 78a, 78b) to close an opening (6, 6a, 6b) in a tank. A stem (32, 32a, 32b) extends axially inwardly from the plug (22, 22a, 22b). The stem (32, 32a, 32b) has an inner portion (36, 36a, 36b) which is mechanically interlocked with an outer portion (52, 52a, 52b) to directly transmit axial forces created by the spring (78, 78a, 78b). Fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) holds the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) in an interlocking position but carries only relatively small loads. The plug (22, 22a, 22b) and stem (32, 32a, 32b) move against the force of the spring (78, 78a, 78b) to relieve pressure. At elevated temperatures, the fusible material (66, 66a, 66b) melts to allow the stem portions (36, 36a, 36b, 52, 52a, 52b) to separate and the plug (22, 22a, 22b) and outer stem portion (52, 52a, 52b) to move away from the opening (6, 6a, 6b).